South Africa is on the brink of securing a coveted spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, set to take place at Lord’s next June. A single victory in their two-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning on Boxing Day in Pretoria, could be enough to seal their place. The second Test is scheduled for January 3-7 at Newlands in Cape Town, giving the hosts two strong opportunities to achieve their goal.
Riding high at the top of the WTC standings, South Africa’s five consecutive Test victories against the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have positioned them as serious contenders for the final. If they succeed, they will likely face Australia, India, or Sri Lanka in London.
This young and dynamic South African side has surpassed expectations, building momentum since their win in Guyana last August that initiated their impressive streak. History favours the Proteas, as Pakistan has never won a Test series in South Africa and has lost their last seven Tests on South African soil.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s preparations have been overshadowed by the sudden resignation of coach Jason Gillespie earlier this month. Former fast bowler Aqib Javed has stepped in to lead the team. However, Pakistan’s confidence will be bolstered by their October home series win against England and a 3-0 whitewash of South Africa in the recently concluded ODI series.
Pakistan’s batting lineup features standout performers like Saim Ayoub, the 22-year-old prodigy who notched two centuries in the ODIs. Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah also impressed in the series and will aim to carry their form into the Tests. Shan Masood will lead the side in their quest to make history.
Despite their batting firepower, Pakistan appears short on bowling resources, a weakness that could be exposed on pace-friendly South African pitches. South Africa’s formidable fast-bowling duo of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen is expected to capitalise on home conditions.
South Africa is optimistic about the return of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who is recovering from a finger injury sustained against Sri Lanka. However, uncertainty looms over the availability of left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the ODI series due to an adductor strain. Both players are part of the Test squad, but must clear fitness tests before being declared match-ready.
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, South Africa aims to leverage their home advantage and robust pace attack to cement their place in the WTC final, while Pakistan looks to defy history and cause an upset.